Underdeveloped hands assistive technology providing projectiles launch handling tools and methods

ABSTRACT

Assistive apparatus including four subcomponents including: holding down the rev trigger, pulling the launch trigger, stabilizing the blaster, and supporting the weight of a toy projectile launcher outer housing. An energy source is mounted in the outer housing for activating with a power/rev trigger. A rotatable panel and a strap/band mount to the grip portion of the outer housing for activating the power trigger. A wrist structure/launching trigger wristband loop mounted to the grip portion of the outer housing for activating the trigger. A balancing structure/weight bearing stabilizer mounts to the outer housing for holding the forward portion of the outer housing, and a shoulder/body strap having a first end for engaging the first connector and a second end for engaging the second connector.

PRIORITY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/289,540 filed Dec. 14, 2021.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to assistive technology providing projectiles launch handling tools and methods intended to otherwise facilitate handheld operations of mechanical apparatus, and more particularly for play and use of projectile launchers in gameplay, toy and non-toy environments to increase accessibility.

Symbrachydactyly, a congenital hand malformation that prevents the proper growth of digits, affects one in every 32,000 births. Children with symbrachydactyly are currently unable to participate in common activities, such as playing with NERF TM dart blasters due to this condition. There is a lack of accessibility for these children to carry, control, aim, and activate these blasters forcing them to be left out of these social activities with their friends. In this project, we propose a device that will allow children with the condition to use dart blasters. Currently, a solution to this problem does not exist.

Known assistive structures may secure tools to the wrist of a user by a cord or the like provided to prevent dropping the tool in work environments. However, tools and such structures are not known to assist in the use of projectile launchers in gameplay and entertainment environments including but not limited to balls, darts, paintballs in gameplay and various toy and non-toy environments.

Various other known apparatus and configurations for tools intended to be held exist but do not facilitate improved grasping and operational movements therewith manipulated by the user.

It would be desirable to provide assistive technology providing toy dart launch handling tools and methods intended to otherwise facilitate handheld operations of mechanical apparatus, more quickly, easily, and safely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses shortcomings of the prior art. Described novel solutions described herein include subcomponents with different responsibilities, including holding down the rev trigger, pulling the launch trigger, stabilizing the blaster, and supporting the weight.

Briefly summarized, the present invention relates to tools intended to be held in the hand of a rotatable panel and a strap/band mount to the grip portion of the outer housing for activating the power trigger. A wrist structure/launching trigger wristband loop mounted to the grip portion of the outer housing for activating the trigger. A balancing structure/weight bearing stabilizer mounts to the outer housing between the grip and the muzzle for holding the forward portion of the outer housing, with a first connector mounted to the stock, a second connector mounted to the outer housing rearward of the muzzle, and a shoulder/body strap having a first end for engaging the first connector and a second end for engaging the second connector, the shoulder strap to enable the toy launcher to be supported.

This solution will allow children with symbrachydactyly to carry, aim, and launch NERF dart blasters. The potential market is based on the number of children with symbrachydactyly in ages 8 to 13 years old and the market for NERF dart blasters to increase accessibility. The testing showed that the attachments do not impede on the user's ability to aim the blaster when firing. Additionally, testing showed that the attachments passed all standards provided by Hasbro TM NERF TM. The results from this project have made it possible for children with symbrachydactyly to use NERF dart blasters and be included in more activities with their friends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the inventions, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate preferred embodiments thereof, from which the inventions, structure, construction and operation, and many related advantages may be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 shows an Integrated Design toy launch apparatus underdeveloped hands assistive technology including: a Rev Trigger band, a Launching Trigger Wristband, a Weight Bearing stabilizer, and Body strap subcomponents in accordance with the present inventions;

FIG. 2 shows images and illustrations of the Weight Bearing stabilizer of the Integrated Design toy launch apparatus assistive technology for use therewith;

FIG. 3 provides photographic images demonstrating the Rev Trigger band embodiments of the Integrated Design toy launch apparatus assistive technology attached to the launcher and grip for use therewith,

FIG. 4 provides photographic images demonstrating the Launching Trigger Wristband embodiments of the Integrated Design toy launch apparatus assistive technology for securing to user's the hand and arm for use therewith; and

FIG. 5 provides photographic images demonstrating the Launching Trigger Wristband embodiments of the Integrated Design toy launch apparatus assistive technology for securing to user's the hand and arm for illustrating operations of the Rev Trigger band, and Launching Trigger Wristband as hand operable tools in accordance with the present inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments set forth in the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference to the figures, projectile launch handling embodiments are shown and described for advantageously facilitating user held integrated design toy launch apparatus, systems, methods and structural tools with underdeveloped hands assistive technology subcomponents in accordance with the present inventions. Applicants Assignee's launching mechanism propelling projectiles including U.S. Pat. No. 9,958,230 to Nugent, et al. for “Rapid Fire Toy Launch Apparatus” issued May 1, 2018, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,967,130 and 9,194,646 to Victor, et al. for “Toy Projectile Launcher Apparatus” issued Mar. 3, 2015, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,876,809 to Kopman, et al. for “Quick Start Projectile Launcher and Methods” issued Dec. 29, 2020, contents of which are also incorporated by reference including any incorporations by reference contained therein, which individually and cumulatively disclose structure, apparatus and methods and embodiments described complementing the improvements and inventions disclosed herein. Further aspects and advantages are discussed below. Applicants Assignee's launching mechanism propelling projectiles methods included in U.S. Patent Application No. ______ for Projectiles Launch Accessibility to Users with Upper Limb Prostheses Using Assistive Handling Technology and Methods as filed on even date herewith, include contents of which are also incorporated by reference including any incorporations by reference contained therein.

Assistive apparatus including four (4) subcomponents with different responsibilities, including: holding down the rev trigger, pulling the launch trigger, stabilizing the blaster, and supporting the weight of a toy projectile launcher outer housing having a rearward stock portion, a grip/handle portion forward of the stock portion, and a forward muzzle portion. An energy source is mounted in the outer housing for launching a dart activating with a power/rev trigger. A rotatable panel and a strap/band mount to the grip portion of the outer housing for activating the power trigger. A wrist structure/launching trigger wristband loop mounted to the grip portion of the outer housing for activating the trigger. A balancing structure/weight bearing stabilizer mounts to the outer housing between the grip and the muzzle for holding the forward portion of the outer housing, with a first connector mounted to the stock, a second connector mounted to the outer housing rearward of the muzzle, and a shoulder/body strap having a first end for engaging the first connector and a second end for engaging the second connector, the shoulder strap to enable the toy launcher to be supported.

Preferred embodiments non-exhaustively include apparatus and methods for actuating the rev or power trigger on a launcher, apparatus and methods for actuating the actuator or firing or launching trigger on a launcher, apparatus and methods for supporting, balancing, and/or aiming a launcher, and apparatus and methods for supporting a launcher around the body of an individual user. In preferred embodiments, such features would cooperate effectively with existing launchers such as Hasbro Nerf launchers/blasters, and would utilize parameters generally associated with such, such as, strictly as an example, using between three and six pounds of force to actuate the rev trigger or launching trigger.

FIG. 1 shows an integrated design toy launcher 10 providing multiple individually present or mutually and/or cooperatively present features especially useful as adapative features for persons having atypical finger, hand, and/or arm structures, such as modified or prosthetic or underdeveloped anatomy. These include a band 12 for actuating a rev trigger, a wristband component 14 for actuating a launching trigger, a weight-bearing stabilizer component 16 for supporting, balancing and/or aiming a launcher, and a body strap 18 for facilitating support of a launcher around a torso, for example. The launcher 10 has an outer housing 20 for preferably containing projectiles such as balls or darts and also containing internal mechanisms for launching the projectiles and connecting such mechanisms to triggers, energy sources, etc., as may be seen in documents incorporated by reference herein. The forward end 22 of the launcher contains or is near an exit opening 28 through which the projectiles are launched or blasted or otherwise propelled. There may also preferably be one or more handles or gripping portions 26 by which the launcher may be held or gripped, either with or without assistive technologies described herein.

FIG. 2 shows embodiments of the weight-bearing stabilizer component 16. This component may preferably cooperate with a user's palm but can also cooperate with parts of the user's fingers, other parts of the hand, such as the back of the hand, or parts of the forearm, for example. This component 16 may be preferably disposed on or near, or may extend from the forward end 22 of the launcher, as seen in FIG. 1 .

The weight-bearing stabilizer 16 may optionally include a generally U-shaped bracket 30 having a pad 32 outside the middle section thereof, with the interior of the U-shaped bracket for engaging the housing 20 preferably toward the forward end 22 thereof and the pad 32 for engaging an anatomical structure, such as the palm of a hand. There may preferably also be a strap 34 for providing more secure engagement between the stabilizer 16 and the anatomical structure. Such a strap may be resilient/elastic, for example, to better securement. There may also preferably be an engagement mechanism on the bracket 30 that includes a pressing plate 36 that opposes an opposite side 38 of the bracket and/or a side pad 40 thereon. The pressing plate 36 may be driven by a screw 42 that may be rotated by an attached knob 44, the screw extending through a hole 46 in the bracket 30. The screw and pressing plate may thus be driven toward the opposite side 38 to better engage and secure the housing 20. Secured to an anatomical structure, the front end of the launcher may be better supported, balanced, and aimed by the user.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, a toy projectile launcher for an individual to use to launch a toy projectile may comprise an outer housing having a grip portion and an exit opening, a toy projectile disposed within the outer housing, launching apparatus disposed within the outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with the toy projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the energy source, a launch trigger disposed on the grip portion of the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus, and a weight-bearing stabilizer component disposed on the outer housing for interacting with the individual's palm or other hand or arm portion to permit at least some weight of the launcher to be supported by the palm or other hand or arm portion and to facilitate balancing and aiming the launcher, wherein when the power trigger is actuated, the energy source provides energy to the launching apparatus, and when the launch trigger is subsequently actuated, the energized launching apparatus transfers energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening in the housing. The toy may further comprise a body strap for connecting to the outer housing at two distinct points thereof and configured for wrapping around a torso portion of the individual such that the torso portion supports some of the weight of the toy projectile launcher while in use by the individual. A method of using the toy projectile launcher may comprise inserting the toy projectile into the outer housing such that the projectile may be engaged by the launching apparatus, engaging the weight-bearing stabilizer component with the palm or other hand or arm portion to permit at least some weight of the launcher to be supported by the palm or other hand or arm portion and to facilitate balancing and aiming the launcher, actuating the power trigger to activate the energy source to energize the launching apparatus, and actuating the launch trigger to cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing. The toy projectile launcher may also include a weight-bearing stabilizer component that comprises resilient material to stabilize against the palm or other hand or arm portion and it may be adjustable to variably fit the palm or other hand or arm portion.

FIG. 3 shows embodiments of the rev trigger band 12 intended as assistive technology to maintain engagement with the rev trigger 52 and the associated energization of the launching apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the rev trigger 52 is on or near a grip/handle portion 50 of the launcher 10. rip for use therewith. As may be seen, the band 12 may biasedly encircle a portion of the grip/handle portion 50 that includes the rev trigger 52 such that the rev trigger may be maintained in a depressed or actuated state provides communication between a power source (such as one or more batteries) and the launching apparatus, which may, for example, include one or more motors. Alternatively or supplementally to the band 12 being resilient or elastic, the band 12 may include a strap by which to tighten it around the grip/handle portion 50 to ideally adjust the force applied to the rev trigger 52. The band 12 may also contain hook-and-loop features to optionally retain the band in place until it is intentionally removed. This band 12, when in place, enables the motor to stay active while the launcher 10 is being used and selectively/optionally fired.

One preferred embodiment of the invention is a toy projectile launcher for an individual to use to launch a toy projectile, the launcher comprising an outer housing having a grip portion and an exit opening, a toy projectile disposed within the outer housing, launching apparatus disposed within the outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with the toy projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on the housing and in communication with the energy source, a launch trigger disposed on the grip portion of the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus, and a resilient band disposed relatively immovably on the grip portion to biasedly provide continuous actuation of the power trigger thereon, wherein the continuous actuation of the power trigger provides continuous energy to the launching apparatus such that when the launch trigger is actuated, the energized launching apparatus transfers energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing. The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a body strap for connecting to the outer housing at two distinct points thereof and configured for wrapping around a torso portion of the individual such that the torso portion supports some of the weight of the toy projectile launcher while in use by the individual. A method of using the toy projectile launcher of claim 1 may comprise the steps of inserting the toy projectile into the housing such that the projectile may be engaged by the launching apparatus, placing the resilient band on the grip portion of the housing to provide continuous actuation of the power trigger and thereby provide continuous energy to the launching apparatus, and actuating the launch trigger to cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing. A preferred embodiment of the toy projectile launcher may further include a resilient band that may be initially loosely fitted around the grip portion before being tightened to effectuate actuation of the power trigger. The resilient band disengaging from actuation of the power trigger may cause an audible cue to an individual using the launcher. The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a rotatable panel for activating the power trigger.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show embodiments of the launching trigger wristband 14 for use in launching a projectile by selectively actuating the launching trigger 54. In preferred embodiments, the wristband component 14 includes a generally annular sleeve 56 for fitting over the wrist or other anatomical structure of the user. The sleeve 56 may be made of resilient/elastic material for better securement on a wrist or it may include straps and/or loops and/or hook-and-loop connectivity and tightening capability that may not require the use of digits of the hand. The wristband component 14 also includes a hook 58 attached thereto on the outside thereof and running generally parallel to wrist or anatomical structure and also preferably running mostly parallel to the launch direction other than the transverse portion 60 of the hook 58 that engages the launching trigger 54 in order to selectively launch projectiles from the launcher 10 by moving the hook rearward to depress the launching trigger 54 and initiate launch of a projectile.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, there is a toy projectile launcher for an individual to use to launch a toy projectile, the launcher comprising an outer housing having a grip portion and an exit opening, a toy projectile disposed within the outer housing, launching apparatus disposed within the outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with the toy projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the energy source, a launch trigger disposed on the grip portion of the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus, and a wristband component wearable on a wrist or other arm portion of the individual, the wristband component being connected to the launch trigger such that it can actuate the launch trigger, wherein when the power trigger is actuated, the energy source provides energy to the launching apparatus, and when the launch trigger is subsequently actuated, the energized launching apparatus transfers energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening in the housing. The toy projectile launcher may further comprise a body strap for connecting to the outer housing at two distinct points thereof and configured for wrapping around a torso portion of the individual such that the torso portion supports some of the weight of the toy projectile launcher while in use by the individual. A method of using the toy projectile launcher comprises the steps of inserting the toy projectile into the outer housing such that the projectile may be engaged by the launching apparatus, actuating the power trigger to activate the energy source to energize the launching apparatus, and moving one's wrist to cause the wristband component to actuate the launch trigger to cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing. The wristband may be adjustable to variably fit the wrist or the arm portion. The wristband component is preferably pulled by the individual in generally the same direction as the launch trigger is thereby moved to cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the toy projectile.

FIG. 1 also shows the body strap 18 for facilitating support of a launcher around a torso or other body part. In preferred embodiments, the strap 18 may include connective apparatus with the launcher 10 in one or more places, preferably at least two places for the sake of stability and securement. For example, as seen in FIG. 1 , the strap 18 may have clasps 62 that interact with the launcher itself or with launcher straps 64 that engage the launcher 10. As may be seen in FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment, the strap 18 may engage the launcher 10 nearer both a forward end 22 of the launcher and a rearward end 24 of the launcher. With the engagement points being further apart, there is the opportunity for greater balance and support. As seen in FIG. 1 , the strap 18 may be adjustable in length, may include a clip, and may include hook-and-loop fasteners for optional engagement and disengagement. Typically, the strap 18 could be placed over a shoulder of the user, but other anatomical solutions could exist to utilize this feature.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, the body strap for a toy projective launcher may preferably connect to the outer housing at two distinct points thereof and be configured for wrapping around a torso portion of the individual such that the torso portion supports some of the weight of the toy projectile launcher while in use by the individual, the strap comprising a main strap portion for wrapping around the torso portion, and at least one connector for engaging the outer housing at each of the two distinct points.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided a detailed description with various features, and while particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes, and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are offered by way of illustrations only and not as limitations. The actual scope of the invention is to be defined by the subsequent claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art. Other apparatus, methods, features and advantages will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional structures, methods, features and advantages are within the scope of the inventions. Nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy projectile launcher, comprising: an outer housing having a grip portion and an exit opening; launching apparatus disposed within the outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with a projectile; an energy source; a power trigger disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the energy source; a launch trigger disposed on the grip portion of the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus; and a resilient band disposed relatively immovably on the grip portion to biasedly provide continuous actuation of the power trigger thereon; wherein the continuous actuation of the power trigger provides continuous energy to the launching apparatus such that when the launch trigger is actuated, the energized launching apparatus transfers energy to the projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing.
 2. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 1, comprising a body strap for connecting to the outer housing at two distinct points thereof and configured for wrapping around a torso portion of a user such that the torso portion supports some of the weight of the toy projectile launcher while in use by the user.
 3. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 1, comprising a weight-bearing stabilizer component disposed on the outer housing for balancing while in use by the user.
 4. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 3, wherein the weight-bearing stabilizer component disposed is on the outer housing for interacting a user body portion to permit at least some weight of the launcher to be supported thereby to facilitate balancing and aiming the launcher.
 5. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 1, comprising a weight-bearing stabilizer component disposed on the outer housing for interacting with at least one of a user palm, other hand or arm portion.
 6. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 5, wherein the weight-bearing stabilizer component is disposed to permit at least some weight of the launcher to be supported by said palm or other hand or arm portion and to facilitate balancing and aiming the launcher.
 7. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 1, wherein the resilient band may be initially loosely fitted around the grip portion before being tightened to effectuate actuation of the power trigger.
 8. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 7, wherein the resilient band disengaging from actuation of the power trigger will cause an audible cue to a user using the launcher.
 9. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 1, comprising a rotatable panel for activating the power trigger.
 10. A toy projectile launcher, comprising: an outer housing having a grip portion and an exit opening; launching apparatus disposed within the outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with a projectile; an energy source; a power trigger disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the energy source; a launch trigger disposed on the grip portion of the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus; and a wristband component wearable on a wrist or other arm portion of a user, the wristband component being connected to the launch trigger such that it can actuate the launch trigger; wherein when the power trigger is actuated, the energy source provides energy to the launching apparatus, and when the launch trigger is subsequently actuated, the energized launching apparatus transfers energy to the projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening in the housing.
 11. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 10, comprising a body strap for connecting to the outer housing at two distinct points thereof and configured for wrapping around a torso portion of the user such that the torso portion supports some of the weight of the toy projectile launcher while in use by the user.
 12. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 10, comprising a weight-bearing stabilizer component disposed on the outer housing for interacting with at least one of a user palm, other hand or arm portion to permit at least some weight of the launcher to be supported by said palm or other hand or arm portion and to facilitate balancing and aiming the launcher.
 13. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 10, wherein the wristband is adjustable to variably fit the wrist or the arm portion.
 14. The toy projectile launcher in accordance with claim 10, wherein the wristband component is pulled by the user in generally the same direction as the launch trigger is thereby moved to cause the energized launching apparatus to transfer energy to the projectile.
 15. A method of using a toy projectile launcher having an outer housing with a grip portion and an exit opening, launching apparatus disposed within the outer housing, the launching apparatus being engageable with a projectile, an energy source, a power trigger disposed on the outer housing and in communication with the energy source, a launch trigger disposed on the grip portion of the outer housing and in communication with the launching apparatus, the method comprising: placing a resilient band on the grip portion to biasedly provide continuous actuation of the power trigger thereon; placing a wristband component on a wrist or other arm portion of the user, the wristband component being disposed for interacting with the launch trigger such that it can actuate the launch trigger; and moving the wrist or other arm portion to cause the wristband component to selectively actuate the launch trigger; wherein the continuous actuation of the power trigger provides continuous energy to the launching apparatus such that when the launch trigger is actuated, the energized launching apparatus transfers energy to the toy projectile so as to impart velocity to the projectile relative to the housing to launch the projectile through the exit opening and out of the housing.
 16. The method in accordance with claim 15, comprising the steps of connecting a body strap to the outer housing at two distinct points thereof and wrapping the strap around a torso portion of the user such that the torso portion supports some of the weight of the toy projectile launcher while in use by the user.
 17. The method in accordance with claim 15, comprising the steps of wearing a weight-bearing stabilizer component on at least one of a user palm, other hand or arm portion and engaging the weight-bearing stabilizer component with the outer housing to permit at least some weight of the launcher to be supported by the palm or other hand or arm portion and to facilitate balancing and aiming the launcher.
 18. The method in accordance with claim 17, wherein said weight-bearing stabilizer component engages the outer housing at a front portion thereof.
 19. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the resilient band is initially loosely placed around the grip portion and then is subsequently tightened to effectuate actuation of the power trigger.
 20. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the wristband component is initially loosely placed on a wrist or other arm portion of the user and then is subsequently tightened to effectuate better securement of the wristband component on the wrist or other arm portion of the user. 